I thought I would update on my condition. I have managed to taper down to from 10 to 6mg pred this year having been set back by two cataract, covid and prostate procedures so feeling I am progressing. Most of the lethargy and pain in my arms and hips have disappeared but I am still walking very badly. I had my routine appointment with my rheumy on Monday and she seems to think my symptoms at moment are not PMR.
I mentioned that one of my legs is very swollen and I have always been told by the medics it’s just varicose veins. I had an accident 30 years ago cutting a main vein. At first I never had any problems with it but then I started to develop the veins and swelling but my rheumy is thinking my walking is a result of this and says blood supply is not getting to the muscles in my leg. I think she called it claudication. Her explanation matches exactly my symptoms. She is referring me to a vascular surgeon for further investigation . There’s just the matter of waiting. Does anyone know a good vascular surgeon in the Staffordshire/cheshire area if it comes to me having to go private given the current situation in UK?
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Pommygranny
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Claudication is an arterial problem, not venous. You would be better to ask your GP for recommendations and then look them up online. I just had a look and virtually all I can fine are varicose vein surgeons - popular because the NHS doesn't do them any more. Arterial work is rather different.
The investigations will be done by the local vascular service - and will establish whether surgery is possible or likely to help. If it is a local blockage surgery will be appropriate. If it is a more generalised then it may be drugs if anything can be done at all. It's like plumbing - if there is a blockage at a particular point, they can repair that bit, If all the pipes are furred up from one end to the other, they will replace the entire system. Unfortunately they haven't developed a surgical technique for that!
In the meantime, I presume you get the calf pain after walking a short distance? The first approach is always to tell the patient to "walk through the pain" - i.e. don't stop as soon as it hurts, If you continue as long as you can before stopping, it will improve things over time by making the body produce what is called collateral circulation - new blood vessels that provide a bypass, like using the back roads to avoid an accident on the motorway. It can make a big difference if you are consistent about doing it,
Thank you for this very informative reply. The blockage was originally due to an accident cutting a vein or artery (can’t remember it was 30 years ago). As far as I know I don’t have any other arterial/veinous problems but I am now better informed for seeking advice.
I do walk as much as I am able but have to keep stopping. The lower half of my right leg is now black, I suppose where other veins have had to take on the load of blood supply. I should have had the wound stitched in the first place but shrugged it off and dealt with it myself. My own fault.
Just yesterday my husband and I attended a discussion group regarding leg circulatory issues. There were two cardiologists and a podiatrist discussing both arterial and venous insufficiencies in the legs...causes and cures. I am in the States, and I will be having an ultrasound of my legs when I next see my cardiologist. Both my husband and I have these problems and have had some veins cauterized to promote better circulation. But, we still don't walk the way we used to and probably won't...but we can do better. Twice, they found clots in my husband's left leg.
Each of us has peripheral artery disease, venous insufficiency and neuropathy. You are wise to check it out. Sometimes, a cardiologist is the man/woman or a vascular surgeon?? An ultrasound will provide some insight. Not sure how hard it is for you to get a referral or appointment...My best to you...💞
Thank you so much for replying, I have been referred for a DOPLA scan to see how the veins/arteries are working and a venous surgeon through our NHS . Hopefully that will not be too long. As I said previously I don’t have a history of artery disease as such. The blockage was/is caused by a wound. From there I/they will decide the best action. Once you can get the treatment through our NHS the service is second to non but we now have quite a waiting list for most procedures. I am aware of the danger of clots and DVT. Sadly this caused a PE for my mother.
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Well I'll be damned!
anyone under 50 with GCA
PMR and Myasthenia Gravis
Vascular ultrasound highly sensitive, specific for large-vessel GCA diagnosis
